September 12, 2026 11:47 pm
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

REGIONAL

REGIONAL

Himanta calls on Rajnath, Jaishankar; seeks guidance for Assam’s progress

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GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi, and discussed ways to make the state a leading player in the defence ecosystem and boost trade and tourism with the neighbouring countries. Sarma, during his meeting with Singh, also thanked him for participating in the Assembly election campaign in the state. “It is always enriching to meet Raksha Mantri Adarniya @rajnathsingh ji. He is a powerhouse of wisdom and knowledge. We have so much to learn from his vast experience as an excellent administrator, a dedicated public servant and a veteran karyakarta,” the CM said in a post on X. “During my meeting today, I thanked him for his impactful campaign run during Assam Elections and sought his blessings and guidance to position Assam as a major player in the defence scheme of things in the days ahead,” Sarma added. The chief minister’s office (CMO), also in a social media post, added that Sarma and Singh “discussed opportunities to strengthen Assam’s role in the nation’s defence ecosystem”. Posting about his meeting with Jaishankar on the micro-blogging site, Sarma said, “This morning, I had the pleasure to call on Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, @DrSJaishankar ji. His perspective on global affairs and how India is navigating current geopolitical headwinds is always enlightening.” “I thanked him for sharing his insights on further strengthening Bharat’s Act East Policy. We look forward to his guidance on how Assam can play a role in strengthening trade and tourism ties with neighbouring countries,” he added. (Source: PTI)    

National, REGIONAL

Another accused in Assam fisheries scam arrested in Odisha

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GUWAHATI : Another accused in the alleged financial irregularities in Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd has been apprehended in Odisha, marking the ninth arrest in the case, officials said on Sunday. They said Padma Kanta Hazarika was apprehended in Puri on Saturday and will be brought to Guwahati on a transit remand. “Ref. ACB PS Case No. 30/2023 registered in con with misappropriation of funds of Assam Fisheries Dev. Corporation Ltd. One key accused of the case namely Padma Kanta Hazarika, the then Project Director of the AFDCL has been arrested in Puri, Odisha by @DIR_VAC_ASSAM yesterday,” the Vigilance Department said in a post on X. “He was produced before the court in Puri last night by the team of @DIR_VAC_ASSAM and the court granted 4 days transit remand for bringing the accused person to Guwahati,” it added. Last week, at least eight government officials, including two from the Assam Civil Services (ACS) cadre, were arrested in the same case in connection with financial irregularities, the Vigilance Department said on Tuesday. The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), in a statement, had said that the arrests were made from multiple locations, including Guwahati, Belsor (Nalbari), Gauripur (Dhubri) and Raha (Nagaon). Among those previously apprehended are ACS officers Anuradha Adhikary Sarma and Naren Chandra Basumatary, both former managing directors of the AFDCL, and two former executive engineers of the AFDCL — Jyotish Saikia and Birinchi Adhikary. Other AFDCL employees — Jyoti Prasad Saikia (then assistant executive engineer), Saburuddin Ahmed (then assistant engineer), Bhogirath Das (then project manager) and Rabindra Narayan Deka (then assistant technical officer) — have also been arrested. (Source: PTI)    

National, REGIONAL

Centre moves two CoBRA battalions to Manipur

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NEW DELHI : The Centre has ordered deployment of two battalions of the CRPF’s jungle warfare unit CoBRA for operational duties in Manipur, official sources said on Sunday. The state administration and the Union government have been working to bring long-lasting peace in Manipur as more than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. Officials told PTI that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a proposal of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to deploy two CoBRA battalions in Manipur– battalion no 207 based in West Bengal and 210 located in Assam– for operational duties. “The two CoBRA battalions will undertake specific operations against the armed groups that undertake violence in Manipur,” an senior security officer said, adding the earmarked units will move in the state over the next few weeks. The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) was raised by the CRPF in 2008-09 to tackle the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) that was raging in multiple Indian states apart from insurgency in certain states of the north east. CoBRA has a total of ten battalions at present and they are mostly deployed in the anti-Naxal operations theatre. Each CoBRA battalion has a strength of about 1,000 commandos. The commandos of this battalion are credited by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with undertaking successful intelligence-based jungle warfare and guerilla tactics operations against Naxals leading to the end of Maoist violence from the country this March. Officials said that with the operations in the LWE theatre now being reduced to seeking and destroying hidden improvised explosive devices (IEDs) apart from general security of the area, it was planned by the CRPF to move two CoBRA units to Manipur where restoration of complete peace is a task in a “work in progress.” “There are other CoBRA and CRPF units that can serve the Naxal violence hit areas post the end of armed Naxalism in the country. “One or two CoBRA units may also move to Jammu and Kashmir for full fledged operations once a final decision is taken,” a second officer said. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Assam council of ministers to be expanded on June 5: Himanta

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GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said his ministry would be expanded with the swearing in of new ministers next week. Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on May 12 by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union ministers, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and other top dignitaries. Along with the chief minister, four other ministers had taken oath — the BJP’s Ajanta Neog and Rameswar Teli, Asom Gana Parishad’s Atul Bora and Bodoland People’s Front’s Charan Boro. “I am pleased to inform that the Council of Ministers of the Government of Assam will be expanded on June 5, 2026,” Sarma said in a post on X. He did not mention the number or names of new ministers to be inducted. The BJP-led NDA came to power for a third successive term in the state, bagging 102 out of the total 126 seats. The saffron party had secured 82 seats, and its allies AGP and BPF won 10 each in the April 9 elections. (Source: PTI)

REGIONAL

Manipur can only progress when all 36 communities of state develop together: CM Khemchand Singh

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IMPHAL : Singh on Saturday said the state can progress only when all 36 communities living in the hills and valley develop together, stressing the need for inclusive and balanced growth. Speaking at a special interactive session with beneficiaries of the post-matric scholarship (ST) scheme organised by the department of tribal affairs and hills under Janjatiya Garima Utsav 2026 in Imphal, Singh said the scholarship programme aims to promote equality and uplift all communities. Expressing concern over reports that some students had not received scholarship payments for the past four months, the chief minister said the funds had already been released and that delays in certain cases were due to issues related to Aadhaar and bank account linkage. The CM said education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of young people and reiterated that the government remains committed to addressing genuine difficulties faced by students and ensuring that welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries. Singh also emphasised that Manipur can progress only when all 36 communities living in the hills and valley develop together and stressed the need for inclusive and balanced development across the state. Highlighting the importance of peace, Singh said development can take place only in a peaceful and conducive environment. He noted that students and daily wage earners are among those most affected during periods of unrest and emphasised that peace through dialogue is the only solution. He also appealed to students to contribute towards strengthening harmony and understanding among different communities. Speaking on the occasion via video conferencing, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen said the programme highlighted the importance of education in empowering tribal youth and shaping a better future. She also said the government of Manipur remains committed to supporting students in their educational journey. Students from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts also participated in the interaction via video conferencing and shared their concerns and challenges. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Strict monitoring to be undertaken for timely completion of highway projects: Nagaland MP

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KOHIMA : Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir, on Saturday said strict monitoring would be undertaken over the next four months to ensure the timely completion of national highway projects in the state, warning that contractors failing to meet deadlines would face action. Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here, Jamir, also the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, said he inspected work on national highway stretches from Dimapur to Kohima, and Kohima to Jesami on May 28 and 29, to assess implementation, maintenance and safety standards of road projects executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). He said that while Nagaland’s difficult terrain and unpredictable monsoon posed natural challenges, contractors and executing agencies must be adequately prepared to deliver projects on schedule. Jamir said the inspection, conducted along with district administrations, NHIDCL officials and contractors, focused particularly on road safety measures, drainage maintenance and construction quality. He pointed out that road safety infrastructure from the Assam border to Kohima, including signage and dividers, was found to be below NHIDCL standards. He said NHIDCL had been asked to strictly enforce its guidelines and ensure that contractors maintain the same standards as seen in other states. On maintenance issues, he said blocked drainage systems and neglect after road construction had contributed to road damage, and contractors had been directed to clear such areas within stipulated timelines. Referring to the Dimapur-Kohima stretch, Jamir expressed concern over poorly planned road dividers, saying some had been constructed without proper approval and adequate safety assessment, contributing to accidents. He said any road divider or access opening must be approved by competent NHIDCL authorities with proper signage. Jamir said that most highway stretches under NHIDCL are expected to be completed this year, except the Kohima bypass road, which may take another two years due to bridge construction requirements and land disputes. The MP raised concern over theft of aluminium crash barriers and road signage, terming it a serious threat to public safety. He also noted that illegal mining activities had blocked roads at over 35 locations. During his visit to Phek district on Friday, Jamir inspected the BSF Camp to Chakhabama stretch and said repair and maintenance works had been assured within 20 days. Jamir said weekly monitoring would be undertaken over the next four months in coordination with district administrations to ensure that contractors fulfil their commitments. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Tripura: CBI court sentences three executives of chit fund firm to 6 yr RI for duping 800 depositors

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AGARTALA : A special CBI court in Tripura on Saturday sentenced three executives of a chit fund company to six years of rigorous imprisonment each for swindling Rs 5.5 crore from over 800 depositors, a lawyer said. The special CBI judge, Debasish Kar, also asked the Unakoti district magistrate to attach the properties of Pragatishil Infra Project Services Private Ltd to pay the duped depositors. The Pragatishil Infra Project Services Private Ltd, a chit fund company, started its operations in Tripura’s Unakoti district in 2009 and collected a huge amount from people, assuring “good returns” after maturity, the lawyer said. “However, the company stopped paying the depositors concerned even after maturity (in 2012). Angry depositors then lodged an FIR against the company at Kailashar police station. “After conducting a probe, the CBI submitted a charge sheet against three company executives — Arindam Das (CMD), Dwipsikha Das (Administrative Director) and Paritosh Das (MD) — in a court at Kailashahar, Unakoti district,” Special CBI public prosecutor, Prasenjit Saha, told reporters. He said that during the trial, the court found the three executives of the firm guilty of misappropriating Rs 5.5 crore from around 800 depositors. “The special CBI court in Agartala today pronounced the verdict, sentencing the three company executives to six years of rigorous imprisonment each under the Tripura Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2000,” he said. Saha said the court has also asked the Unakoti district magistrate to attach the chit fund company’s properties and return the money to the duped depositors. (Source: PTI)    

National, REGIONAL

Kuki groups seek separate administration, probe into violence in Manipur

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NEW DELHI : Kuki organisations on Saturday demanded a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people and impartial investigations into the recent clashes in Manipur, asserting that the community has faced decades of displacement, violence and constitutional marginalisation. In a statement issued at a press conference in Delhi, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi and NCR and other Kuki representatives said the demands were part of a broader call for justice, security and a political solution to the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state. The groups called for enforcement of Article 371C and restoration of the constitutional role of the Hill Areas Committee, alleging that administrative powers over hill villages had been transferred to valley-based authorities in violation of constitutional safeguards. They claimed that 462 hill villages had been brought under valley-based revenue jurisdiction, 192 hill villages placed under valley police stations and valley sub-registrar offices exercised jurisdiction over hill lands. The groups also renewed their demand for a formal inquiry into the 1992-93 violence involving the NSCN-IM, alleging that more than 1,000 Kuki civilians were killed and over 360 villages destroyed during the period. “There has never been a full accounting,” the statement said, demanding rehabilitation and justice for affected families. Referring to the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, the Kuki representatives alleged large-scale destruction and displacement of the community. They claimed that thousands of homes and over 200 churches and places of worship had been damaged or destroyed and more than 41,000 people displaced. The KSO Delhi and NCR also expressed concern over the continued detention of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly held by Manipur Naga groups in Senapati district and demanded their “safe, immediate and unconditional release”. The organisation urged the Government of India and central security agencies to intervene decisively and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible for the alleged abductions. The Kuki groups strongly condemned the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders on May 13, alleging that the attack was carried out by the ZUF (Kamson faction), which they described as a proxy of the NSCN-IM. The KSO said no arrests had been made despite public outrage and demanded a fair and time-bound investigation by central agencies. The organisations further alleged renewed violence in parts of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts this year, including attacks on villages, killings and displacement. Calling for a long-term political settlement, the KSO urged the Centre to expedite dialogue with Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups representing the Kuki-Zo people and work towards what it described as an “honourable, constitutional and lasting political solution”. The groups maintained that the Kuki-Zo people were not seeking “sympathy or special favour” but justice, constitutional protection and security. “We are demanding justice, equal protection under the Constitution, security and the fundamental right to live with dignity and peace,” the KSO said in its statement. (Source: PTI)      

Latest News, Popular News, REGIONAL, State News

Four Arunachal residents killed as vehicle crashes into parked truck in Guwahati

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GUWAHATI :  Four people, including a woman government official and two young medical students, lost their lives in a road accident at Tetelia near Sonapur on Friday morning when the Bolero vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a parked truck. The victims, all residents of Arunachal Pradesh, died on the spot as a result of the impact of the severe collision. According to police, the Bolero, bearing Arunachal Pradesh registration and carrying a government plate identifying it as a vehicle associated with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, was travelling towards Guwahati when it rammed into the rear of a truck parked along the roadside under Khetri Police Station limits near Sonapur. The deceased have been identified as Lingi Barsa, who was a doctor and was driving the vehicle, his wife Kunga Dolma, an official of the Arunachal Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Department, their son, and his friend, both of whom were medical students. Providing details of the incident, Ankur Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police, said that the family had started their journey from Itanagar at around 6 am and was headed towards Guwahati. “The accident occurred under Khetri Police Station jurisdiction where a truck was parked near the roadside. A Bolero with Arunachal Pradesh registration crashed into the truck at high speed. All four occupants died in the collision. The driver, Lingi Barsa, and his wife, Kunga Dolma, their son and his friend were among the dead. Barsa had booked accommodation at Arunachal Bhawan in Guwahati, and the family had begun their journey from Itanagar early in the morning,” Jain said. Police officials investigating the accident said preliminary findings suggest that excessive speed may have been a major factor behind the crash. Investigators found no visible skid marks or signs of emergency braking at the scene. “When we examined the accident site, we found no indication that the driver had attempted to brake before impact. Eyewitnesses estimated that the vehicle was travelling at around 120 kmph. Based on the available evidence, we suspect that the driver may have fallen asleep while driving, though the exact cause will be determined after a detailed investigation,” Jain added. Meanwhile, questions were raised over the presence of the truck on the roadside. However, traffic police maintained that the vehicle had been parked outside the designated carriageway and that authorities had already directed it to be moved as part of an ongoing statewide enforcement drive against roadside parking. Jayanta Sarathi Bora, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said that police had instructed the truck driver to remove the vehicle before the accident occurred. “The truck in question had already been identified by our personnel during an enforcement drive against roadside parking. Around 10:45 am, the concerned officer had directed the driver to move the vehicle. We are conducting similar drives not only in Guwahati but across Assam to prevent unsafe roadside parking. Preliminary findings indicate that the truck was parked outside the white line marking on the road,” Bora said. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the tragedy. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Truck driver shot dead as suspected militants fire on convoy of vehicles in Manipur’s Ukhrul

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IMPHAL : A truck driver was killed when suspected militants fired at a convoy of vehicles in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, police said. “A joint team of security forces, including BSF, CRPF and police were escorting some 15 to 20 commercial trucks towards Ukhrul district when they came under attack near TM Kasom from suspected militants, killing a truck driver at the spot”, an officer said. Security forces also fired back, leading to a brief exchange of fire. The identity of the deceased is yet to be determined, the officer said. The incident happened some 6 km from Shangkai village, where protesters blocked roads, forcing security forces to fire several tear gas shells to disperse the agitators on Friday morning. Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday had met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association, to discuss the law and order situation on the National Highways and the movement of goods transport. The CM had said that “The government is committed to ensuring the safe and smooth movement of transport vehicles and keeping the National Highways free from all hindrances. Two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were shot dead by suspected militants on April 18 last in an ambush near TM Kasom village. (Source: PTI)